Baywatch cast brush off criticism and get back into their iconic red swimsuits to shoot beach scenes as show reboot is panned for its cast of ‘influencers’ with ‘no acting ability’

The Baywatch cast have brushed off criticism as they slipped back into their iconic red swimsuits to shoot dramatic beach scenes on Wednesday.

Hours after the show reboot was panned for its cast of ‘influencers’ with ‘no acting ability’, model Brooks Nader flaunted her jaw-dropping figure in the red swimwear as she arrived at the beach wearing a pair of UGGs. 

The Sports Illustrated star, 29, was joined on set by influencer-turned-actor Noah Beck, 24, who flaunted his chiselled abs as he ran along the beach shirtless in an intense scene. 

The duo were also joined by Pretty Little Liars actress Shay Mitchell, 38, and Yellowstone star Hassie Harrison, 35, as the stars ran from the iconic lifeguard tower towards the ocean. 

The cast, which also includes Jessica Belkin, 23, and Stephen Amell, 44, got to work as they hit the sand, showing off their beach bodies and following in the footsteps of OG icons David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson.  

Shay looked incredible in the skimpy one-piece, which showed off her perfectly toned figure as she ran along the shore with her red float and put on an athletic display.

The stars turned heads at the Los Angeles beach as they shot the action scenes, sprinting towards the ocean.

It comes as the latest Baywatch reboot seems to be drowning before it even hits the beach, according to a vocal group of fans. 

In September, Fox announced they were ‘reimagining’ the iconic series with a 12-episode order for the 2026-2027 season.

The new show follows Hobie Buchannon (originally played by Jeremy Jackson) as he steps into the role of Baywatch captain, following in the footsteps of his legendary father Mitch Buchannon (originally played by David Hasselhoff), joined by a new generation of lifeguards patrolling the Los Angeles coastline.

When the casting choices were revealed, many were shocked to see social media stars like Livvy Dunne and Brooks Nader among the lifeguard team – better known for their Instagram following than their acting chops.

But when first-look photos and clips hit the internet on Wednesday, fans didn’t hold back, tearing into the reboot as a derivative idea, with influencers in lead roles and a plot destined for failure.

Many seemed to be still haunted by the flop of the 2017 Baywatch film starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.

One critic posted, ‘Who the hell thought a Baywatch reboot was a good idea?’ Another didn’t mince words, writing, ‘This has FLOP written all over it. Why on earth is this even being considered? Hollywood is so out of ideas.’

They wrote: ‘Watch it be cancelled after one season. Ain’t nobody watching this’; Humanity has regressed since the ’90s’;

The cast’s influencer-heavy lineup didn’t go unnoticed either.

‘I really can’t stress how bad this script must be to cast so many influencers’; ‘Hollywood doesn’t believe in hiring actual actors or actresses anymore’; It’s gonna flop— you have a gymnast with no tested acting abilities?’;

And the lack of diversity didn’t escape criticism either: ‘Not one Black woman on the whole cast. CHOP!!’ 

Despite the vocal backlash, the cast seems to be embracing the opportunity.  

On Tuesday, Nader posted a selfie wearing the famous swimsuit, expressing her excitement for the reboot. 

In the post, she captioned the image, ‘Can’t wait for you all to see what we’re working on! #Baywatch2026.’ 

Nader will take on the role of Selene, a sharp-tongued captain of the Zuma Beach lifeguards.

Dunne, the gymnast-turned-influencer, was also spotted on set. 

She will portray Grace, an eager and enthusiastic lifeguard, marking her acting debut.

Dunne, who has a huge following on TikTok and Instagram, is making her acting debut with this role, something that has sparked mixed reactions from fans.

The plot sees Hobie Buchannon, played by Amell, now as the Baywatch captain, only to have his life upended by the sudden appearance of his daughter, Charlie, who wants to follow in his footsteps and become a lifeguard. 

Chokachi, reprising his original role as Cody Madison, now runs “The Shoreline,” the unofficial Baywatch bar and grill, and still pulls on the red trunks for the occasional rescue. 

Newcomer Mitchell will play Trina, a former lawyer who left her prestigious career to become a full-time lifeguard. 

Harrison will portray Nat, a former foster kid turned Olympic athlete.

The official synopsis for the reboot reads: ‘Hobie’s world is turned upside down when Charlie shows up on his doorstep, eager to carry on the Buchannon family legacy and become a Baywatch lifeguard alongside her dad. OG heartthrob Cody Madison now runs The Shoreline, the unofficially official Baywatch bar-and-grill, and still puts on the red trunks for the occasional shift saving lives.’

In a statement to Variety, Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network, said, ‘In its first run, Baywatch defined an entire era of beach life and elevated lifeguards to iconic status. Now, with our partners at Fremantle, this television juggernaut is set for a modern-day comeback. 

‘Together, Fox and Fremantle, along with Matt Nix and original co-creator Greg Bonann, will bring the California dream to a whole new generation of fans with fresh stories, rising stars, and all the spectacle that makes the Baywatch franchise a global sensation.’